The Buick Rendezvous CV joints transfer energy from the transmission to the wheels. It is important that the CV joints remain in good working order. When they fail, the car will sit where the failure occurs. It is important that you replace the CV boots if they are torn to prevent dirt from getting to the joint and destroying it. This is the most common cause of failure for the CV joints. It will take about two hours to complete the change on each wheel.
Remove the wheel cover using a pry bar to take it off the wheel. Remove the cotter pin from the wheel shaft using a pair of pliers. Loosen the wheel shaft nut using a wrench but do not remove it. Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Buick. Raise the vehicle using the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the Rendezvous near the jacking point and raise it to the frame of the vehicle.
Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and take the wheel off the Buick. Remove the splash shield from under the vehicle with a wrench if one is present. Disconnect the stabilizer bar link using a wrench to remove the bolts. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor from the wheel hub by unplugging it. Remove the wheel shaft nut and washer using a wrench. Discard the nut since you will need to use a new one during installation.
Remove the brake caliper from the wheel assembly using a socket and ratchet. Secure the brake caliper out of the way using a wire tie. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the hose or you will damage the brake line. Remove the brake rotor from the wheel assembly. Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end using a pair of pliers. Remove the castellated nut from the tie rod using a socket and ratchet.
Separate the tie rod end from the wheel knuckle using the rubber mallet to tap it until it is free. Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint using the pliers. Remove the castellated nut from the ball joint using a socket and ratchet. Separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle using the ball joint tool. Connect the wheel hub removal tool to the wheel knuckle. Tighten the bolt with a socket and ratchet until the wheel knuckle separates from the halfshaft.
Remove the halfshaft from the transmission using the pry bar to assist. Insert the new CV joint into the transmission and push it in firmly. Insert the CV joint into the wheel knuckle. Connect the lower ball joint to the wheel knuckle. Install the castellated nut and tighten it with a socket and ratchet. Insert a new cotter pin into the ball joint and spread it open with the pliers. Insert the tie rod end into the wheel knuckle.
Install the castellated nut and tighten it with a socket and ratchet. Insert a new cotter pin and spread it open with the pliers. Install the new shaft nut and torque it to 192 foot-pounds using the torque wrench. Insert a new cotter pin into the wheel shaft and spread it open with the pliers. Connect the stabilizer link and torque the bolts to 17 foot-pounds with the torque wrench.
Install the splash shield in the wheel well and tighten the fasteners with a wrench. Install the wheel on the Rendezvous. Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the Buick. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Repeat the procedure as necessary on the other wheel.
